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NFT: Attic pull-down stairs w/ an odd configuration- suggestions?

I'm looking to install attic stairs in our upstairs playroom to give easier access to the attic above it. Most attic stairs I've seen open 'horizontally' from one end of a rectangular attic opening and then the stairs slope down from one corner down to the floor.

I've got a situation where I have such a rectangular opening, but because of space issues, ours wouldn't be able to extend down in the traditional way (in the horizontal direction of the opening). Ours would have to come down 'forward', or perpendicular to the horizontal opening. Hope that makes sense.

Any thoughts on a set of attic stairs that would work with such a configuration? These are just 8' ceilings, so at least that part of it is standard.

If it's just for storage and not living space, I installed a Wenger drop down ladder in a similar situation once. It worked well and took up very little space, but I wouldn't want to have to climb it on a regular basis (several times a day), and there's no handrail, it's just a ladder.

of the rectangle to fold up into I don't see how you would be able to use a traditional fold down style going the other way.

Perhaps a fixed ladder with some sort of heavy duty hooks bolted into it could be attached hung from the attic when in use and then simple lifted and laid on attic floor when not in use. Not not sure that would be much easier than just using a sturdy step ladder which I assume you are currently using.

The only other thought, and probably not worth the expense involved, would be to perhaps have someone rebuild the opening to run the direction you need for it to and attach a tradition folding attic stairs.

that in your picture, the stairs would be coming down towards the right, not towards the viewer from that perspective.

I don't have a pic handy, but jcn56 is correct. My opening looks like the one in your picture; however the stairs would have to open to the left or right (perpendicular to the length of the hole).

May have to try one of those compact Werner ladders. Was hoping for something a bit more substantial, though. Railing not important. This is mainly an area for storage bins, cardboard boxes, etc. Compact Werner Ladder - ( New Window )

of the rectangle to fold up into I don't see how you would be able to use a traditional fold down style going the other way.

Perhaps a fixed ladder with some sort of heavy duty hooks bolted into it could be attached hung from the attic when in use and then simple lifted and laid on attic floor when not in use. Not not sure that would be much easier than just using a sturdy step ladder which I assume you are currently using.

The only other thought, and probably not worth the expense involved, would be to perhaps have someone rebuild the opening to run the direction you need for it to and attach a tradition folding attic stairs.

Good luck with it.

Thanks, Steve. Rather not reconfigure and upset the joists, though. The hook/ladder would wind up on the main floor and not be able to be put away once I was back on the ground, so I don't think that would work. Sounds like I may be stuck with the compact ladder configuration, which is frankly better than lugging around a portable ladder up to this location, etc.

joists either way unless you're going to squeeze through a 14 1/2' opening. Maybe the cheapest and easiest option for you is just to use a portable ladder stowed in the closet and cut an opening in the drywall. Link - ( New Window )

that in your picture, the stairs would be coming down towards the right, not towards the viewer from that perspective.

I don't have a pic handy, but jcn56 is correct. My opening looks like the one in your picture; however the stairs would have to open to the left or right (perpendicular to the length of the hole).

May have to try one of those compact Werner ladders. Was hoping for something a bit more substantial, though. Railing not important. This is mainly an area for storage bins, cardboard boxes, etc. Compact Werner Ladder - ( New Window )

If you go the Werner route, just note that you should go for the heaviest rating and the majority of the knocks they get in reviews go on the hardware associated with the door, not the ladder itself. The door latch was a real PITA to install and I wasn't fond of it, so I replaced it with a hook latch of my own preference after.

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